This week’s MLB Power Rankings are influenced by more than the standings with a major suspension playing a factor as well. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
Suspensions, hot streaks, and broken cold snaps all have an effect on this week’s MLB Power Rankings.
The last few weeks have had some unexpected surprises in the MLB standings. Several teams are soaring high. Others are sinking into a pit of despair. The MLB Power Rankings are changing weekly.
This week might have the biggest changes of all. From some of the best clubs falling into slumps to others snatching up playoff spots, this might be the first week of an extremely tight race down the stretch.
Where do the 30 teams rank this week?
30) MLB Power Rankings: Washington Nationals
All of that stuff about changes in the MLB Power Rankings doesn’t apply to the Washington Nationals. They feel locked into the last spot. It started prior to the MLB trade deadline. It’s only getting worse.
The Nationals own the worst record in baseball no matter how you want to slice it. Nobody is a bigger jobber in MLB right now. If they can finish the year anywhere but 30th, it’s a major win.
29) MLB Power Rankings: Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers never figured things out this year. Despite their early season hopes that if the bats ever woke up they might be able to compete, their post-trade deadline roster isn’t nearly as good enough as it was earlier in the year.
Through injuries, bad performances, and the firing of Al Avila, the Tigers have experienced all of the bad in 2022. Although, moving on from Avila is probably more of a good thing for Detroit fans. It means changes are coming. Hopefully, for the sake of the Motor City, they’re good ones.
28) MLB Power Rankings: Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics climb into 28th place this week, yet it has little to do with them playing well. They’re actually quite bad — and maybe only ahead of the Tigers in this week’s MLB Power Rankings because of how badly things have gone in Detroit.
A massive losing streak last week didn’t help them much in the standings or build up any confidence in their players. It’s unfortunate how unproductive this year has been. At least some of the other bottom feeders got to debut outstanding rookies or trade away players to help bolster the farm. The Athletics may have done each on a limited basis, but they feel far from competing again.
27) MLB Power Rankings: Pittsburgh Pirates
It’s the ugliness of many Pittsburgh Pirates losses this year that keeps them pinned down near the bottom of the MLB Power Rankings. Only the Nationals have a worse run-differential.
Finally, though, the Pirates’ poor record is catching up with their dreadful difference between scoring and allowing runs. They’re right there with the rest of the league’s worst clubs well below .500 and in need of a telescope to see the postseason.
26) MLB Power Rankings: Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds got to participate in the Field of Dreams Game last week. Had they won it, maybe they could have moved slightly higher. But because they lost it, they get no bonus points for winning a nationally-televised game.
It might be a crazy thought, but the Reds aren’t in such a bad situation. They did the right thing in trading many of their desirable pieces at the deadline. Right now, focus is on building for next season. Give all of the at-bats and innings to the kids that you can. Find out what the future holds.